COVID-19 Pandemic Committee on June 18th, 2020

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I call this meeting to order.

Welcome to the 25th meeting of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic.

I would remind all members that, in order to avoid issues with sound, members participating in person should not also be connected to the video conference.

For those joining via video conference, I would like to remind you that, when speaking, you should be on the same channel as the language that you are speaking.

As usual, please direct your remarks through the chair.

I understand that there are no ministerial announcements today.

We will now proceed to presenting petitions. I would like to remind honourable members that any petition presented during the meeting of the special committee must have already been certified by the clerk of petitions.

The first petition to be presented will be from Ms. May.

Members participating in person are asked to please come and drop the signed certificate off at the Table once the petition is presented.

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Chair, it's an honour to rise in this place to present two petitions today.

The first is from a number of constituents and others who have signed the e-petition calling for the federal government to examine the need for a permanent federal funding mechanism for public transit. The petitioners note that the current 10-year transit plan will end in 2027 and that having low-emission public transport is very important for meeting long-term climate goals. They ask that the federal government provide a permanent federal funding mechanism to go well beyond the 10-year transit plan and to work with all levels of government to provide sustainable, predictable, long-term and adequate funding.

The second petition speaks to the issue that gripped the country so much just months ago, but is not forgotten, which is the conflict on Wet'suwet'en territory over the Coastal GasLink and the need for the Government of Canada to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. They call for the RCMP to stand down and note that the RCMP has violated the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Next is Mr. Manly.

[Paul Manly, Green, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Chair, this petition is put forward by constituents in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith who are very concerned about climate change and government action on climate change.

They are calling upon the government, the House of Commons and Parliament assembled to update Canada's climate action targets to reflect science and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's 2018 report, eliminate all subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, invest in a just transition for oil and gas workers, cease from purchasing, subsidizing or supporting any future fossil fuel infrastructure and invest in clean, renewable energy and/or other climate and socially conscious investment opportunities.

I'd like to thank my constituent, Vic Brice, for putting this forward.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We will now go to Mr. Reid.

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston, ON]

Mr. Chair, the 550 petitioners draw to the attention of the House the situation at two federally operated prison farms in Kingston. The plans of the previous government to shut down these prison farms were widely opposed in the community. The present government agreed to keep the farms open, but the petitioners believe that Correctional Service Canada's current plans for reopening the farms are very far from what the public had in mind. Current plans call for $4.3 million to be devoted to an industrial goat milk operation under the supervision of a Chinese-owned multinational and used to manufacture infant formula to export to the People's Republic of China.

The petitioners suggest that a use that more closely aligns to Kingston's community values would be to grow fresh produce suitable for supplying food banks and distributing to members of the local community who are suffering from food insecurity. The petitioners point out that this would, incidentally, also cause our own export policies to align more closely with Canada's own practice of never importing goods produced in whole or in part by prison labour.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go to Mr. Johns.

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Chair, it's a privilege and honour to present a petition led by Cathy Van Herwaarden from the Parksville-Qualicum Retired Teachers' Association. They're calling on the Government of Canada to develop a comprehensive pan-Canadian single-payer and universal pharmacare program that ensures all Canadians can access medically prescribed necessary medications and supplies regardless of their ability to pay.

They cite that the cost of prescription medications and necessary medical supplies in Canada is excessive and varies greatly between provinces and territories. They cite also that the cost of prescription medications and medical supplies is continuing to rise significantly every year. They state that too many Canadians cannot afford to purchase their prescription medications and/or medical supplies or have to choose between purchasing prescription medications and medical supplies or providing for food and shelter. They cite that it's time now for a single-payer, universal pharmacare program for all Canadians.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Genuis.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Chair, I'll be presenting three petitions today.

The first petition is with respect to firearms. The petitioners note that virtually all violent gun crime committed in Canada, including the recent terrible shooting in Nova Scotia, involved illegal firearms in the hands of those already not permitted to posses them. Given this clear data, taking property from law-abiding citizens is a distraction from the important work that needs to be done to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

The petitioners have three specific asks: number one, reverse the order in council banning certain firearms imposed on May 1; number two, propose measures that will effectively address the illegal use of firearms by criminals while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens; and number three, ensure that substantial changes to Canada's firearms laws are only ever made by Parliament and not by the government or the RCMP acting unilaterally.

The second petition deals with government Bill C-7. While there's growing discussion about the need to do better in the area of long-term care, the government's focus has been instead on expanding euthanasia, even doing so ahead of a mandated five-year statutory review. Part of proposed Bill C-7 is to do away with a 10-day reflection period and reduce the number of witnesses required to ensure patient consent. The petitioners are opposed to and don't see the logic in the government's focus on removing safeguards rather than providing seniors with dignified living circumstances.

The third petition is in support of Bill S-204, a bill that would make it a criminal offence for someone to go abroad to receive an organ without consent and also create a framework under which someone could be made inadmissible to Canada if they were involved in the horrific practice of forced organ harvesting.

I commend these three petitions to the consideration of the committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and have a good summer.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Thank you.

We'll now go to Mr. Lamoureux.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Chair, it's a pleasure for me to table yet another petition from the residents of Winnipeg North. They are calling for a national pharmacare program and they're asking, whether it's the Prime Minister or all members of all political parties, for us to understand and appreciate the importance of having a national pharmacare program. It's specifically to have the government work in co-operation with the different levels of government to ensure that we can have a program sometime in the near future.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Presenting petitions.

We will now proceed to statements by members.

The first statement will be from Mr. Casey.

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Mr. Chair, in challenging times, we look to those who inspire. In Prince Edward Island, that includes Lorie Kane. Lorie is a tireless promoter of her beloved island. She's a four-time Ladies Professional Golf Association winner, a five-time Legends Tour winner, and a member of the Order of Canada. She has now been called to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

In addition to being a world-class golfer, Lorie is a genuine and generous person who has devoted vast amounts of time and energy to a multitude of charitable causes. It is no exaggeration to say that her work in fundraising for children's health charities has literally saved lives, and I cannot stress enough the role that she has played in inspiring islanders to get involved and to get moving.

Lorie has always carried herself with grace and humility in true Island fashion. Please join me in congratulating P.E.I.'s pride and joy, Lorie Kane, on her well-earned appointment to our national sports hall of fame.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go to Mr. McLean.

[Greg McLean, Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Mr. Chair, today I pay tribute to COVID-9teen, not the pandemic but the youth volunteer organization that grew out of the recent crisis to serve our community. Nine is the number nine, and teen is the age of the volunteers.

Over the past month, these inspiring youth leaders took their efforts virtual. Through dance, music, arts and athletics, they kept us entertained through our lockdown with free presentations. Viewers contributed through the site to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. These young leaders delivered.

Sadly, this past week's virtual talent show was hacked with vile and bigoted interventions. The online world allows cowards hiding behind their screens to present comments anonymously. To them I say, “Show yourselves. There are consequences to us all for your crossing the line, and there should be no medium in which words are not attached to the commentator.”

To my friends in COVID-9teen, thank you for all you've done and for all you will continue to do. We are all so proud of you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go to Mr. Levitt.

[Michael Levitt, Liberal, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Chair, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all the students—and their families—who are graduating from high school in my riding of York Centre. For the last six years I've had the honour of attending high school graduation ceremonies, and while COVID-19 has made this year different, the graduating students' achievements are even more meaningful as they have all faced this challenge directly and have overcome it.

Each year I look forward to seeing the look of excitement on the students' faces as they come up to receive their certificates, but also the immense pride on the faces of their parents, grandparents, caregivers and siblings.

This year our grads might not be able to see our faces, but we are beaming with pride more than ever. I want to congratulate every student. This is a huge achievement and something that you will always cherish. I hope you will each take the time to reflect on your high school experiences with teachers, friends and all the lessons you've learned and take those memories with you as you move on to your next adventure.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Will now move on to Ms. Michaud.

[Kristina Michaud, Bloc, Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC]

Mr. Chair, it will certainly be a unique end to the school year for students this year. That is especially true for those graduating high school. Having this important stage in their lives end so abruptly is heartbreaking.

When they should be spending the last few weeks of their graduating year having fun, laughing and crying, surrounded by the friends and teachers who defined their teenage years, they are instead isolated at home.

I want to wish them the best of luck in their next chapter. Soon, they will embark on a path that I sincerely hope will lead them to a career they are passionate about. In any case, the class of 2020 will always be remembered as a brave and resilient bunch.

I want all of Quebec's graduates, especially the young people of Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, to remember that and, above all, to keep their heads held high at every step along the way, no matter where life takes them.

I wish each and every one of them continued success.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go to Mr. Louis.

[Tim Louis, Liberal, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Chair, our professional support workers are on the front lines of care and deserve our support. In the Waterloo region, we are making that happen.

Yesterday, in partnership with Cowan Foundation, Conestoga College announced Canada's first integrated strategy to support the training and education of personal support workers. This innovative collaboration will create the most technologically advanced PSW in supportive care program of its kind in Canada.

Building upon the college's existing Cowan Health Sciences Centre, an epicentre will be created for remote learning, which will eliminate many of the financial, travel and time barriers that exist today for PSW students. It will also leverage Conestoga College's first-of-its-kind living classroom model to provide PSW students with hands-on learning experience.

Thank you to the PSWs who play a vital role in our health care system as they promote client dignity and independence. This support would not be possible without the generous support from the Cowan Foundation and chairperson Maureen Cowan, for the amazing donation of $5 million to benefit the wellness of Canadians.

May the memory of her grandmother, Frances, live on.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go to Mr. Vis.

[Brad Vis, Conservative, Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Chair, Canadians living with disabilities are used to overcoming challenges, but they shouldn't have to deal with more COVID-19 struggles when others have been given the help they need. The Liberals waited for months to address this. Then, when they introduced legislation for Canadians with disabilities last week, they demanded that Parliament fast-track their bill. Conservatives support the initiative, but we know that rushed government legislation ultimately lets Canadians down.

We move to recall Parliament immediately to debate and pass the legislation, which could have been done last week but the Liberals denied it. This avoidable delay hurts Canadians with disabilities. The government even said it could have achieved the same ends through regulation, so do it.

Better yet, recall Parliament for the summer. The Liberals have used COVID-19 for their own political ends and have turned their backs on Canadians with disabilities, denying them the timely support they needed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now continue with Mr. Schiefke.